Comox Valley RCMP are sharing details after police responded to the Aquatic Centre parking lot in Courtenay, seizing weapons and cash.

They were called on April 30th to a report of two people believed to be using drugs in a vehicle.

They found the male driver to be in and out of consciousness behind the wheel with the keys in the ignition, while the female passenger, associated with the vehicle, was also seen to be displaying signs consistent with drug impairment.

After a search, police found 10 knives, 11 cellular phones, a digital scale with suspected drug residue, about $2,000 in cash, two imitation handguns, and an expandable baton.

RCMP note the imitation handguns seized during the investigation closely resembled real firearms.

Constable Monika Terragni says imitation firearms, and similar looking items, are something police encounter far too often, and they can rapidly escalate already high-risk situations.

“Not every successful police intervention immediately results in charges, but there is still tremendous value in preventing harm before it occurs,” said Constable Monika Terragni.

“In this case, the investigation has already resulted in the removal of multiple weapons, imitation firearms, and an impaired driver from a public area frequented by families and youth.”

The investigation remains ongoing and charges are pending.

Constable Terragni said police appreciate community members who continue to report suspicious behaviour when they see it.